Cassel Brewery, located east of Ottawa, has been awarded funding through the Eastern Ontario Development Program (EODP) and the Prescott-Russell Community Development Corporation (PRCDC) in the amount of $55,000. Cassel Brewery is a recently started microbrewery by Mario Bourgeois and wife Mylene that produces both Stout and IPA beer. The brewery plans to use the funding to increase capacity through the introduction of a bottling line, which will allow them to expand into more establishments and potentially reach the LCBO. “Small businesses are important economic engines of our local economy, as they support employees, families and our communities.” said MP Pierre Lemieux regarding the funding awarded to Cassel Brewery.

EODP is designed to promote economic development in Eastern Ontario allowing for a successful regional economy and prosperous communities. The program is issued through FedDev; however, applications are submitted through 15 Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDC). Eligible recipients are corporations, partnerships and individuals who have projects that will assist in the growth of rural Eastern Ontario economies through the attraction of youth, skills development, innovation and communication technologies. Eligible companies can receive 50% of eligible cost up $100,000. Eligible costs include business plan development, marketing efforts, skills development, internships, research and development and ICT infrastructure. The program closes September 14th, 2014 and the application due dates vary by community. For more details about funding eligibility and qualifying regions, please go to the link below: